Jambojet, a Nairobi-based low-cost carrier, has suspended its direct flights between Mombasa and Zanzibar, effective mid-September. The airline cited the surge in fuel costs and the recently introduced mandatory travel insurance in Tanzania as reasons for the suspension. The route had become commercially unviable, leading to the decision to halt operations. This move leaves Jambojet without an international destination, following the end of flights to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January last year.
The introduction of a mandatory $44 travel insurance for travelers into Tanzania has made the destination less attractive to Jambojet's target market, largely comprising local tourists. According to Karanja Ndegwa, Jambojet's chief executive, this requirement has contributed to low passenger numbers on the route. The surge in fuel costs has further exacerbated the issue, forcing the airline to introduce a 20 percent fuel surcharge on ticket prices. As a result, Zanzibar became a more expensive destination, leading to a decline in traveler numbers.
The suspension of the Mombasa-Zanzibar route comes as Jambojet plans to expand its fleet and route network. The airline aims to launch direct flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam before the end of the year or early next year. Additionally, Jambojet is set to launch its inaugural flight to Entebbe on Thursday, returning to the route after a six-year hiatus. The airline currently operates six domestic routes from Nairobi, including Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Lamu, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
The decision to suspend the Zanzibar route was made after internal calculations revealed significant losses. According to Mr. Ndegwa, the airline realized it was losing a lot of money on the route due to rising fuel prices. As a result, Jambojet made the decision to suspend operations. The suspension has left travelers to Zanzibar from Mombasa with limited options, with only RwandAir and Safarilink operating direct flights between the two cities.
Jambojet launched the Mombasa-Zanzibar route on June 1, 2024, primarily to serve Kenyan tourists visiting the island. The airline offered onward connections to Nairobi and other destinations in the country. With Jambojet's withdrawal from the route, travelers from Nairobi can still be served by Kenya Airways, Precision Air, and Air Tanzania. The airline's expansion plans, however, are expected to continue, with a focus on domestic and regional destinations.
The impact of rising fuel costs has been significant for Jambojet, leading to reduced frequencies on some flights and the suspension of the Zanzibar route. The airline had planned to expand its fleet with at least two additional Bombardier DHC Q-400 aircraft by the end of this year or early next year. It remains unclear whether these plans will proceed, given the current market conditions.
Jambojet's parent company, Kenya Airways, is likely to continue serving the Nairobi-Zanzibar route through its main operations. Meanwhile, Jambojet's focus is expected to shift to its domestic routes and planned international destinations, including Entebbe and potentially Dar es Salaam. The airline's growth strategy will likely be influenced by market conditions and fuel price trends in the coming months.
Key points
- Jambojet suspended its Mombasa-Zanzibar route due to rising fuel costs and new travel insurance requirements in Tanzania.
- The airline plans to launch direct flights to Entebbe and potentially Dar es Salaam in the near future.
- Jambojet's suspension of the Zanzibar route leaves only two airlines operating direct flights between Mombasa and Zanzibar.
